Former Brighton boss Poyet could be named next Sunderland boss in 24 hours

Gus Poyet.

Published:12:09Monday 07 October 2013

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GUS POYET’S is odds-on to become the next Sunderland boss, with reports claiming the former Brighton manager could even be appointed within the next 24 hours.

But it is understood that no announcement is imminent from Sunderland over a permanent successor to the sacked Paolo Di Canio.

Poyet has been the firm favourite for more than a week with the bookmakers and he is thought to be the firm front-runner for the position, with Sunderland owner Ellis Short and director of football Roberto De Fanti both admirers of the Uruguayan.

His odds were cut further over the weekend, as Sunderland look to end their two-week search for a successor to Di Canio.

And sources close to Poyet have today suggested that he is on the brink of being appointed, with reports that the 45-year-old will be confirmed over the next 24 hours.

Poyet was in the running to succeed Martin O’Neill as Black Cats boss before Di Canio was named head coach last March.

And the former Chelsea and Spurs midfielder has made no secret of his desire to take charge of Sunderland after leaving Championship Brighton at the end of last season.

“When I left Brighton, I thought I would be in England until at least January,” he said last month.

“I planned that, over the first matches of this season, I would pay a lot of attention to the teams I thought could be in trouble.

“Of course, I watch Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester, but there was a group of teams who, if they didn’t start well, I thought I could have a chance.

“I was watching Sunderland a lot.

“People were talking a lot about them in the summer because of Paolo and how many new players they had.